Oklahoma's Republican governor tests positive for coronavirus, media spin begins immediately

Andrew Trunsky, DCNF

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt speaks during a roundtable discussion with US President Donald Trump about economic reopening of closures due to COVID-19, known as coronavirus, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, June 18, 2020. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) — (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has tested positive for the coronavirus, Oklahoma news outlet Tulsa World reported Wednesday.

The report comes as the state’s number of cases continues to increase, according to a Johns Hopkins University database. Stitt is the first sitting governor to test positive for the virus.

Stitt said that he is asymptomatic, and that he encourages anyone feeling symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican and an ally of President Trump, says he has tested positive for COVID-19.

— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) July 15, 2020

Stitt’s announcement comes one day after he chaired a meeting of the Commissioners of the Land Office. The meeting consisted of six people, including the governor and Republican state Rep. Mark McBride.

Stitt did not wear a mask during the meeting, Tulsa World reported.

McBride’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation when asked about his exposure yesterday.

Despite his diagnosis, Stitt said he’s “not thinking about a mask mandate at all” on Wednesday, noting that the hospitals still had capacity left over.

Stitt’s contracting the coronavirus comes less than a month after President Donald Trump held an indoor rally in Tulsa, where the majority of attendees, including Stitt, did not wear masks, according to Tulsa World.

Upon learning of Stitt’s contracting of the virus, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere issued a statement, saying that “our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Kevin Stitt and his family. The President wishes him a safe and quick recovery.”

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